Stairlifts are mechanical devices that help people go up and down the stairs while seated. These motorized chairs can ease daily tasks and improve the quality of life of those with mobility issues. Such benefits make stairlifts worth considering. That said, one must choose between buying and renting a stairlift, and the right strategy would depend on requirements and budget. To make the decision easier, one can compare the benefits of both options.
Benefits of renting a stairlift
For those wondering if it is better to rent or buy a stairlift, renting is the right approach for people unwilling to bear a high upfront cost. It also has other benefits.
1. Flexibility
A major benefit of renting is that one can try the stairlift before buying it. If one were to buy a stairlift and find it unsuitable after a while, they would be stuck with the product. With a rented motorized chair, one is free to stop the renting cycle at any time and return the product or exchange it for a different model if the current one does not meet their needs.
2. Cost-effective option
While renting does involve payment of monthly fees to the rental company, the arrangement is feasible for those who do not want to commit to a stairlift without using it first. Additionally, most companies offering stairlifts on rent add the cost of installation and removal to the monthly rental fee. This means the overall cost of renting is far less than that of buying.
3. Short-term solution
Renting a stairlift is ideal for people who only need the device for a short period, such as when dealing with temporary mobility issues. For instance, the user could be recovering from a fall or surgery. Alternatively, if someone has a parent or a senior family member living with them temporarily, they can consider renting a stairlift.
4. No burden of upkeep
Renting not only eliminates the need to pay high upfront costs but also eliminates the overall cost of ownership. Stairlifts may require maintenance and repairs, which owners would have to cover. Renters, on the other hand, get to skip the heavy initial payment, installation cost, and upkeep expenses. That’s because, in addition to covering installation and removal, rental agreements cover the cost of repairs and maintenance. This also helps eliminate the need to delay repairs because of budget constraints.
Benefits of buying a stairlift
This traditional approach can be expensive, but it can also be a practical solution for those with mobility issues owing to various benefits.
1. Customization
When buying a stairlift, one can compare various models and determine which would match their staircase. One also does not have to settle for a stairlift that doesn’t meet their needs. It is possible to get a custom-made stairlift, especially if one has an unusual staircase that cannot accommodate standard motorized chairs. While buying a stairlift, one can choose the right size, type of seat, and working mechanism. One can even find an outdoor stairlift for sale.
2. Long-term solution
Buying a stairlift is a long-term solution for those with persistent mobility issues. It is also a more cost-efficient option if these users intend to stay in the same home for a long time. Once the purchase has been made, users do not have to account for monthly fees or return the stairlift.
3. Warranty coverage
New equipment typically comes with warranty coverage, which helps buyers save money on fixing defects or mechanical issues within a set period. If one notices any issue with a stairlift one bought, one can let the seller or the manufacturer know and ask them to fix the problem. The resolution typically comes at no additional cost to the buyer.
4. High resale value
While one may not always be able to return a stairlift they bought, especially after using it for a few weeks or months, one can always sell it later. It might earn them less money than they spent on it, but the stairlift is still likely to have a good resale value, helping one recover a considerable portion of the money they spent.
If wondering whether it is better to rent or buy a stairlift, one should determine their requirements. Based on need, one can make the most feasible choice. Here, consider finances, living conditions, home structure, staircase layout, and future health needs. Also determine the kind of stairlift required and check if it is available for rent or purchase.
